| Monday, August 17, 2009 |
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MOH Threatens Revocation of Orphanage Licenses
By Nireesh @ 10:42 AM :: 122 Views ::
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The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MOHSW) has issued warning to poorly managed orphanages in the country to show improvement in their services.
The MOH said it would not hesitate to revoke the licenses of orphanages that did not improve the quality of service to the children of Liberia.
Speaking Monday during a two-day workshop for orphanage owners, Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, Joseph Geebro, intimated that the Ministry was very concerned about the welfare of Liberian children living at orphanages across the country.
Geebro warned that the Ministry was closely monitoring the activities of children at those orphanages.
He maintained that the children at such orphanages are also entitled to the same opportunities being enjoyed by children who are not orphans.
The Deputy Health Minister said children in Liberia are the future leaders of the country, and as such, they should be accorded the kind of upbringing that will ensure respect for their fundamental rights, including participation in decision-making in the communities in which they find themselves.
Geebro said MOH had received reports that some orphanages were operating secretly and below basic standards. He said investigations were being carried out by his Ministry and that those homes involved in such illegal operations would be closed down and brought to justice, in line with the laws of the land.
He further stressed that Government would only recognize viable, credible and vibrant orphanages that were caring for children as provided for by their accreditations and permits.
The Deputy Social Welfare Minister called on owners of orphanages to subscribe to best practices as they related to children’s welfare.
He also said there was confusion over fees for accreditation of orphanages, but assured his audience that the situation would be amicably resolved.
The Deputy Minister indicated that the purpose of the workshop was to educate operators of orphanages in the country on the new regulations and tools for appropriate use.
He said the participants were also exposed to conditions that promote good care for children, adding that the workshop focused on how proprietors of orphanages could obtain accreditation and the terms of reference associated with such undertaking.
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